BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Covidien
(NYSE: COV), a leading global provider of healthcare products and
recognized innovator in patient monitoring and respiratory care
solutions, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has granted the Company 510(k) clearance to market the Covidien Nellcor™
Bedside SpO2 Patient Monitoring System. The new patient
monitoring system is now available for sale in the U.S.

“We are pleased to announce the new Covidien Nellcor Bedside SpO2
Patient Monitoring System is approved for commercial release in the
United States,” said Robert J. White, President, Respiratory and
Monitoring Solutions, Covidien. “Healthcare professionals on the general
care floor, and in other lower- acuity areas of the hospital, need
critical patient information at their fingertips so they can respond
quickly to health threats. By giving them ready access to a patient’s
respiratory history, the system allows them to focus on delivering
efficient, high-quality care, not gathering and managing data.”

The Nellcor Bedside SpO2 Patient MonitoringSystem
also features enhanced digital signal processing for precise SpO2
readings during low perfusion or other challenging conditions that make
it difficult to accurately track these patients. Its SatSeconds™
alarm management technology differentiates between serious and minor
events to reduce clinically insignificant oxygen desaturation alarms.
The monitor further offers an intuitive, multicolor screen that is easy
to read in any light and from many angles. Additionally, hospital
technicians can set institutional defaults, replace the battery, perform
diagnostics and generally maintain the monitor within the hospital,
saving time and resources.

The Nellcor Bedside SpO2 Patient Monitoring System meets
medical electrical equipment safety standards, including IEC
60601-1:2005, and complies with the Restriction of the Use of Certain
Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
directive for products sold in European Economic Area markets.

ABOUT COVIDIEN

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates
innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers
value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures,
distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product
lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical
Supplies. With 2011 revenue of $11.6 billion, Covidien has 43,000
employees worldwide in more than 65 countries, and its products are sold
in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com
to learn more about our business.